Saturday, February 07, 2015

I certainly prefer the older commentaries any day over the newer ones, but I do look at newer commentaries when studying the Bible. These are modern day commentary sets that I have found to be useful. As usual, Bible commentaries are the last step or final consultation after one has done his own study of the Bible text. Additionally, when the commentary contradicts plainly what the Bible says or teaches, then we correct the commentary and not the Bible. And now, onto a short list of modern day Bible commentaries that are generally accepted by the wider conservative evangelical readership.

Expositor’s
Bible Commentary (EBC; Zondervan; F.E. Gaebelein). 12 vol. set, 1970-80’s. Has
a one volume set, not recommended: “The NIV Bible Commentary.” The entire set
was based on the NIV, but had some excellent works and not so excellent
contributions, too.

Pillar New
Testament Commentary (PNTC; Eerdmans; Carson) – similar to NICNT. Very little
application, but focused on exegesis (critical text, though) and theology.
Technical discussions land in the footnotes. (ca. 2013)

Since we are considering Bible commentary sets, well, here are some older Bible commentary sets that are worthy of your consideration (which I would imagine most of my readers already know about them).

Albert Barnes - Barnes' Notes (1847 - 1885)

A.T. Robertson’s Word Pictures in the N.T. (1933)

Geneva
Bible Series – older and reformed (allegorical) but devotional, and loaded with spiritual applications. $$$

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Disclaimer (to be read)

1. Your church may have a bookstore (or even a book table) where you can peruse some very good reading material. At the very least, your Pastor(s) should be consulted regarding a good book. If you are a member of a solid, New Testament, Baptist church you would know that the pastor is God's ordained teacher for your congregation, and his advice and guidance in reading is important.

2. My recommendations do not constitute an endorsement of all the doctrines expressed in a book nor is it an approval of the theological/doctrinal views expressed by the author of that book. I would be classified as "KJVO" and I gladly accept that. I would also be classified as "Independent Baptist" and I am happy to be that.

3. Please feel free to comment and interact with me about my postings in the comments section.